Porcelain Tiles Buying Guide
Porcelain tiles are dense, hard-wearing tiles fired at high temperatures, and they are the most versatile material in the tile range at The Blue Space. This collection covers stone, travertine, limestone, terrazzo, concrete and terracotta looks, from 48 x 48mm Briq mosaics to 600 x 600mm and larger floor tiles. It suits bathrooms, kitchens, laundries, living areas and outdoor spaces.
What is porcelain tile?
Porcelain is made from refined clay fired at a higher temperature and for longer than standard ceramic. The result is a dense, low-porosity tile that resists water, stains and wear. That is why porcelain is used on floors and walls in almost every room, and outdoors when it carries the right slip rating.
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
Both are made from clay, but porcelain is denser and absorbs less water. That makes it better suited to floors, wet areas and outdoor use. Ceramic is lighter and easier to cut, and it is common for wall tiles and splashbacks. If a tile will be walked on or exposed to weather, porcelain is usually the better choice.
What do P ratings mean on porcelain tiles?
P ratings are slip resistance classifications under the Australian standard AS 4586, from P0 to P5. Higher numbers mean more grip. In this collection, Cairnwell and Avedon are P3 for indoor floors, Ardenne and Nimbus are P4, and Cairnwell Outdoor and Southside External are P5 for outdoor areas. Match the rating to the area: wet bathroom floors and outdoor spaces need more grip than a living room.
Glazed or unglazed porcelain?
Glazed porcelain has a printed or coloured surface layer, which allows stone, marble and terrazzo looks. Unglazed porcelain, such as the Briq 48 x 48mm mosaics in Milk, Sage, Terracotta and Flecked Linen, has colour through the body. Unglazed tiles have a natural matt surface and wear evenly over time.
What size porcelain tile should I choose?
Large tiles of 600 x 600mm or 300 x 600mm suit open floors and bathrooms, with fewer grout lines and a calmer look. Smaller sizes such as Soluna at 150 x 150mm add pattern and suit period homes. Mosaics suit shower floors because the many joints give extra grip and follow the fall to the waste.
How do I clean porcelain tiles?
Sweep or vacuum, then mop with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. Porcelain does not need sealing. Textured outdoor finishes may need a stiff brush to lift dirt. Seal cement-based grout to help it resist stains.
Completing the room
Narrow your search by look in travertine look tiles, terrazzo look tiles and concrete tiles, or by area in floor tiles and outdoor tiles. Compare with ceramic tiles for walls.
